Creating a resume might sound like something only adults need to worry about—but if you’re a high school student thinking about jobs, internships, college applications, or scholarships, a solid resume is a smart move. It's your personal highlight reel—showing off your skills, experiences, and interests in one neat, professional package.
Even if you don’t have a long list of jobs (yet!), you have more to offer than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a resume as a high school student—step by step.
Why High School Students Need Resumes
You might be wondering, Do I really need a resume right now? The answer is yes! Whether you’re applying for your first part-time job, a summer program, or a leadership opportunity, having a resume shows you’re prepared and serious. It also gives you a head start on building one of the most essential tools for your future career.
A great resume helps you:
- Stand out in applications.
- Get ready for job or college interviews.
- Track your achievements over time.
What to Include on a High School Resume
At the top of your resume, include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address (use a professional one, like firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- City and state (no need to include your full address)
2. Resume Summary or Objective (Optional but helpful)
This is a brief statement (2–3 sentences) at the top that describes who you are and what you’re looking for. Keep it short and specific.
Example: Motivated high school junior with strong leadership and communication skills. Seeking a summer internship to gain hands-on experience in the medical field. Passionate about helping others and learning new skills.
3. Education
List your current school, expected graduation date, and any relevant honors or GPA (if strong).
Example:
- North High School, Orlando, FL
- Expected Graduation: May 2026
- GPA: 3.8 | National Honor Society Member
4. Experience
Include any jobs, internships, or volunteer work—even informal work like babysitting or tutoring counts. Use bullet points to describe what you did and what you achieved.
Example:
- Camp Counselor – City Youth Camp
- Summer 2024
- Led daily activities for 20+ campers ages 8–12
- Promoted teamwork and safety through group games and projects
- Recognized as “Most Supportive Staff” by camp director
Show what you’re involved in outside of class. Clubs, sports, student government, music, theater, or programs like WorldStrides all count!
Example:
- WorldStrides National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine Spring 2024
- Completed hands-on simulations in medical diagnostics and emergency care
- Attended workshops led by healthcare professionals
- Earned certificate of completion for pre-med experience
6. Skills
List 4–6 relevant skills. Focus on both technical skills (like software proficiency) and soft skills (like teamwork or public speaking).
Examples:
- Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs
- Bilingual – English and Spanish
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong communication
- Social media management
7. Awards and Certifications
Include academic awards, certificates, or recognition for leadership or service.
Example:
- Honor Roll – 2022–2024
- First Place, Regional Science Fair – 2023
- CPR Certified – American Red Cross, 2024
Sample Resume Outline (Copy + Paste Ready!)
[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [City, State]
Objective
[1–2 sentence summary about your goals and strengths.]
Education
[High School Name] — [City, State]
Expected Graduation: [Month, Year]
GPA: [If 3.5 or above]
Experience
[Job Title] – [Organization] – [Dates]
- [Responsibility or achievement]
- [Responsibility or achievement]
Extracurricular Activities
[Club, sport, or program name] – [Role, if applicable]
- [Details about what you did and learned]
Skills
- [Skill 1] • [Skill 2] • [Skill 3] • [Skill 4]
Awards and Certifications
- [Award/Cert Name] – [Date or Year]
Resume Tips for High School Students
- Keep it to one page. You don’t need a long resume—just a smart one.
- Use action verbs. Start bullet points with words like “Led,” “Created,” “Organized,” “Managed,” or “Presented.”
- Be honest. Don’t exaggerate. Your achievements are impressive, just as they are!
- Make it easy to read. Use clean fonts and consistent formatting. Save as a PDF before submitting.
- Tailor it. Update your resume depending on what you’re applying for—highlight the most relevant experiences.
Knowing how to make a resume as a high school student sets you apart. It shows initiative, professionalism, and self-awareness—qualities that colleges, employers, and scholarship boards love to see.
Programs like those from WorldStrides don’t just give you unforgettable experiences. They also give you strong, resume-worthy skills that make you stand out. Whether you're aiming for college, your first internship, or a leadership opportunity, a great resume helps open doors.
Envision by WorldStrides is passionate about guiding students each step of the way as they rise to their highest potential through transformative experiences. Our programs offer hands-on experiences that allow high schoolers to test the waters of possible career tracks in:
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